Nelson ZIP Codes — Nuckolls County, NE

There is one unique ZIP code in Nelson, Nebraska and it is 68961. Area code: 402.

ZIP codes

131.98

sq mi land

0.24

sq mi water

402

area code

Nelson, NE ZIP code map

About Nelson, NE

Nelson is a picturesque city located in Nuckolls County, Nebraska. Known for its small-town charm, the city offers a close-knit community atmosphere and a rich history. Visitors and residents alike appreciate the serene landscapes and the friendly faces that characterize this vibrant locale.

Location & geography

Located in south-central Nebraska, Nelson is approximately 10 miles southeast of the larger city of Red Cloud. The city encompasses a total land area of 131.98 square miles, complemented by a small water area of 0.24 square miles. The surrounding terrain features the beautiful fields and rolling hills typical of Nebraska's rural landscape.

Community & economy

Nelson is a tight-knit community known for its welcoming residents and friendly demeanor. The economy primarily thrives on agriculture, with local industries supporting the farming community and providing essential goods and services. Daily life in Nelson is marked by community events, local gatherings, and a strong commitment to preserving the city’s heritage.

Transportation

Nelson is accessible via several important highways, making travel to and from the city convenient. The nearest major highways include U.S. Route 136, which connects residents to nearby towns and cities, as well as state highways. For air travel, the nearest named airport is the Hastings Municipal Airport, located approximately 30 miles northeast of the city.

History

Nelson was founded in the late 19th century and has a rich agricultural history that continues to shape its community today. The city played an essential role in the development of Nuckolls County and served as a hub for local commerce and services. Over the years, Nelson has witnessed various notable events that have contributed to its identity and community spirit.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Nelson, Nebraska, is that it hosts an annual event called the 'Big Blue BBQ,' which draws attendees from surrounding areas for great food and entertainment. Additionally, the city is home to the historic St. Thomas Aquinas Church, a notable landmark reflecting the city's deep-rooted heritage.

ZIP codes for Nelson, NE (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
68961	Nelson	Nuckolls	View map

Demographics & statistics

543

Population

57.6

Median age

$53,750

Median household income

$42,048

Per capita income

$68,300

Median home value

Median monthly rent

81.3%

Home ownership

8.9%

Poverty rate

1.7%

Unemployment

331

Housing units

23.5%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	61	11.2%
18 and over	482	88.8%
65 and over	160	29.5%
Median age	57.6 years

Race & ethnicity

White 93.7%

Two or more races 4.3%

Hispanic or Latino 1.6%

Black or African American 0.4%

Group	Count	%
White	517	93.7%
Two or more races	24	4.3%
Hispanic or Latino	9	1.6%
Black or African American	2	0.4%

Household income

Under $10k 5.8%

$10k–$15k 1.1%

$15k–$25k 6.5%

$25k–$35k 12.6%

$35k–$50k 15.5%

$50k–$75k 25.9%

$75k–$100k 14.4%

$100k–$150k 14.7%

$200k+ 3.6%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	5.8%
$10k–$15k	1.1%
$15k–$25k	6.5%
$25k–$35k	12.6%
$35k–$50k	15.5%
$50k–$75k	25.9%
$75k–$100k	14.4%
$100k–$150k	14.7%
$200k+	3.6%
Median income	$53,750

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 38.9%

$50k–$100k 19.0%

$100k–$150k 16.4%

$150k–$200k 6.2%

$200k–$300k 9.7%

$300k–$500k 5.8%

$1M+ 4.0%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$68,300
Median rent / month	$0
Owner occupied	81.3%
Renter occupied	18.7%
Vacant	27.4%
Single-family detached	97.4%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	0.0%
Median rooms	6.7
Avg household size (owned)	2.08

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	0.0%
2000–2009	8.1%
1990–1999	3.1%
1980–1989	10.2%
1970–1979	9.4%
1960–1969	16.7%
1950–1959	0.5%
1940–1949	5.0%
1939 or earlier	47.0%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.3%
1 bedroom	5.0%
2 bedrooms	23.5%
3 bedrooms	49.9%
4 bedrooms	11.2%
5+ bedrooms	9.1%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	1.4%
1 vehicle	33.8%
2 vehicles	30.2%
3 or more	34.5%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	44.6%
Electricity	21.6%
Propane / LP gas	24.1%
Wood	4.3%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	139	50.0%
Cohabiting couple	4	1.4%
Male householder, no spouse	75	27.0%
Female householder, no spouse	60	21.6%
Households with children under 18	24	8.6%
Households with seniors (65+)	118	42.4%
Average household size	1.94

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	25.8%	19.0%
Married	57.8%	58.9%
Separated	0.0%	0.0%
Widowed	3.1%	11.3%
Divorced	13.3%	10.8%

Education

Less than 9th grade 1.6%

Some HS, no diploma 2.9%

HS graduate 32.2%

Some college, no degree 24.8%

Associate's degree 15.1%

Bachelor's degree 16.9%

Graduate / professional 6.7%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	95.6%
Bachelor's or higher	23.5%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	5	7.0%
Kindergarten	16	22.5%
Elementary school	29	40.8%
High school	12	16.9%
College / grad school	9	12.7%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 22.9%

Transportation & utilities 20.4%

Professional & management 15.5%

Retail trade 13.7%

Agriculture & mining 6.3%

Finance & real estate 6.3%

Arts, food & hospitality 4.6%

Wholesale trade 3.9%

Manufacturing 2.1%

Public administration 2.1%

Construction 1.4%

Information 0.7%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	43.7%
Service	15.5%
Sales & office	15.8%
Natural resources & construction	1.4%
Production & transportation	23.6%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	68.7%
Government	17.6%
Self-employed	13.7%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	83.3%
Carpool	0.4%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	6.4%
Other means	4.6%
Avg commute (minutes)	19.1

Poverty

All people 8.9%

Under 18 years 24.6%

18 and over 6.9%

Married-couple families 0.7%

Female-led households 30.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	44.2%
Retirement income	19.8%
Supplemental Security	2.5%
Cash public assistance	1.4%
Food stamps / SNAP	8.6%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	40.2%
High cholesterol	37.1%
Heart disease	9.3%
Stroke	4.2%
Asthma	8.3%
Arthritis	32.4%
Kidney disease	3.8%
Pulmonary disease	8.2%
Cancer	9.4%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	18.2%
No physical activity	26.6%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	27.0%
Fair or poor health	14.5%
Poor mental health	11.0%
Poor physical health	11.0%
No health insurance	13.2%
Visited doctor (checkup)	73.8%
Visited dentist	63.1%
Cholesterol screening	90.5%
Teeth loss	13.4%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	44	9.1%

Disability	%
Any disability	15.0%
Under 18	0.0%
18–64 years	8.8%
65 and over	33.1%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	76.1%
Public insurance	38.0%
Uninsured under 19	0.0%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	533	98.2%
Spanish	3	0.6%
Other Indo-European	3	0.6%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	540	99.4%
Born in same state	535	98.5%
Born in different state	350	64.5%
Foreign born	5	0.9%
Naturalized citizen	3	0.6%
Not a US citizen	3	100.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	88	16.2%
French	81	14.9%
Arab	45	8.3%

Ancestry	Count	%
Dutch	20	3.7%
English	9	1.7%
Polish	2	0.4%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	51.2%
Internet access	91.7%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Nelson, NE have?

Nelson, NE has one ZIP code: 68961. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.